My husband and I joke that every time we photograph at this venue, it rains, so we weren’t entirely surprised when Jake and Becca’s wedding day came with a decent amount of rain. However, for them, it was both physical and metaphorical. You would never have guessed it looking at the smiles on their faces, the joy in the voices of the guests, the vows exchanged… These two blew me away with their ability to look at the blessings of the day, despite the rain. Their stories are not mine to tell, so I will not go into any real detail, but I think all I will really say is this, in marriage, even if the entire world seems to be falling down around you, if you and your spouse cling to each other, and strive to follow Christ, He will grant you peace beyond understanding. Whether it be terrible news that can have a long lasting effect on you and your family for months, years, or even lifetimes, or sudden tragedies, even the day before a wedding, learning to fall into each other for support as you strive towards a goal, is a lesson that is so hard won, but so unbelievably valuable. Jake and Becca, you have already learned one of the hardest lessons that marriage can teach you, that when you choose joy, you find it. On a wedding day, that is a fairly easy task for most.
To the two of you I would like to give a warning, a challenge, and a promise. The warning is this, choosing joy, though it may seem so now, is not always an easy thing to do. But I challenge you to intentionally choose joy every day, in all situations, especially when it’s not easy. Lastly, I promise you, the life you will lead if you can manage that seemingly simple task will be a truly wonderous sight, and it will make others constantly ask you, “what is your secret?”
Jake and Becca’s wedding was full of all the pretty spring colors, which was a great reflection of Becca’s fun, bubbly personality, and actually of the bright, positive spirit of the day, despite all the circumstances around these two that they had no control over. One of the other cool things that I really loved about this wedding was that almost all the vendors and people working to make this wedding awesome were friends and family! It was truly a team effort of the people that love this couple working together to give them a beautiful day! And even though Matt and I aren’t actually related to Jake and Becca, their families made us feel like family, they were so warm and welcoming to us. I first met Becca and her mom last summer after her coordinator connected us, and we spent a lovely time getting to know each other. We joked about my husband being “the other Matt Goss”, and if you’re from the Lancaster County area, you might get that joke. Anyway, when Matt and I showed up on the wedding day, Becca’s mom hugged me and right away mentioned that she was excited to finally meet “the other Matt Goss.” It was just so sweet that she remembered that and was so excited that we were there to be part of Jake and Becca’s big day.
Anyway, here are some of my favorites from their day. Enjoy!
After getting a bunch of rain earlier in the day, I wasn’t sure if we would get the chance to do any sort of golden hour portraits, but I was thrilled when the clouds cleared and the sun showed up right before sunset! We snuck out of the reception for a few minutes, walked down to this beautiful willow tree, and these made for my favorite portraits of the day!
Jake and Becca, thank you for having us document your beautiful wedding, we loved spending the day with you guys and your lovely families! We wish you the best in your new life together!
Ceremony & Reception | Brick Gables
Planner | Katie Martin - I Do Details
Dresses | David's Bridal
Hair & Makeup | Jessica Manwiller
Groom and Groomsmen Attire | Men's Wearhouse
Florist | Lace and Peonies
Catering | Country Home Catering/Brick Gables
Drapery | Stray Production Services